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Thursday, 6 August 2015

Doctor Who casts first transgender actor Bethany Black

Bethany Black is to become the first openly transgender actor to appear in Doctor Who.

The comedian, who has appeared in Channel 4’s Tofu, Cucumber and
Banana, confirmed the news on her Facebook fan page, writing: “Now to
sit back and wait until The Mail realises the BBC have cast an open
trans lesbian in a family show.”

The news marks the first time a transgender actor has been cast in the BBC sci-fi drama since the series began in 1963.

It is not known yet if Black will play a transgender character or not.

Speaking to The Independentearlier
this year about playing trans character Helen in Russell T Davies’
Channel 4 crossover dramas, she said: “It is an absolute privilege and
honour to be representing trans people.

“There’s a massive responsibility but you also know you can’t really represent anybody - you can’t even represent yourself.”

Black joins other guest stars confirmed by the BBC for Doctor Who
series nine including actor and comedian Reece Shearsmith, Maisie
Williams, Michelle Gomez, Rufus Hound and Rebecca Front.